Kiddwaya, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s entertainment scene, has chosen not to mark his birthday on March 5, 2024, in light of recent tragic events.
In a heartfelt post on social media, Kiddwaya revealed that he had decided against throwing a birthday celebration out of respect for his late friend, Chizi Wigwe. Chizi, the son of Nigerian billionaire Herbert Wigwe, tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash in February 2024, along with his wife, Doreen Wigwe, and former president of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Abimbola Ogunbanjo.
Acknowledging the pain of losing a dear friend, Kiddwaya expressed his decision to honour Chizi’s memory instead of celebrating his birthday. He emphasized the impact that Chizi had on their lives and deemed it fitting to pay tribute to him during this time of mourning.
The funeral service for the victims of the helicopter crash was a televised event attended by dignitaries such as Lagos governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, business mogul Aliko Dangote, and Wigwe’s business partner Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. The crash occurred during a journey from Palm Springs to Boulder City in Nevada, with devastating consequences.
Kiddwaya’s decision to forego his birthday celebration contrasts with recent criticism directed at Pastor Siju Iluyomade of the City of David Redeemed Church. Iluyomade faced backlash for hosting a lavish birthday party shortly after the helicopter crash, with detractors deeming the event insensitive given Chizi Wigwe’s philanthropic contributions to the church.
In choosing to honour his friend’s memory over personal festivities, Kiddwaya’s actions highlight the importance of empathy and solidarity during times of grief.
